10 Top Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala

10 best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala

1. Take a photo with the Santa Catalina Arch

Taking a photo with the Santa Catalina Arch is a must when visiting Antigua, Guatemala. This iconic yellow arch is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and it’s set against the backdrop of the stunning Agua Volcano, which is practically begging you to snap a photo.

Dating back to the 17th century, this arch was originally built to connect a convent to a school, allowing nuns to use a hidden passageway between the two buildings without crossing the street and being seen by the public.

If you are passionate about photography, you must set an early alarm clock. This will help you avoid crowds, skip cars parked under the arch, and give a fantastic light over the volcano. Also, play with a zoom lens for a different perspective.

You simply can’t visit Antigua without photographing this iconic attraction in Antigua.

2. Join a chocolate-making experience

Chocolate has deep roots in Guatemala, dating back to the ancient Mayans who considered it the “food of the gods” and joining a chocolate-making class will let you learn all about the importance of chocolate.

There are a lot of chocolate workshops in Antigua, so I did my research before I made my final decision. ChocoMuseo is undoubtedly the most popular option for travelers, but we choose a workshop at the Maya Cacao Chocolatería for a bit more intimate experience.

As you learn about the chocolate traditions in Guatemala, you will be making your chocolate bar from scratch. This includes roasting cacao beans, peeling and grinding them into a paste, and mixing in other ingredients to create different types of chocolate.

I have to warn you that this is a lot of manual labor, but the whole experience is fun and educational. Sipping a hot chocolate as you work your way through the chocolate-making process gives you a great boost as well.

I have had to similar experience in the Dominican Republic before, however, it was nearly as fun as the workshop at the Maya Cacao Chocolatería, this is why I recommend visiting their shop and booking a unique experience in Antigua.

3. Learn more about local coffee

Coffee is another important part of the culture in Guatemala and similarly to chocolate making experience, there are a lot of places that can help you learn more about local traditions. Even most coffee shops can arrange coffee workshops with a professional barista.

After a quick research, we were determined to visit Finca La Azotea as it was a highlight of Guatemala for many travelers. You can choose to visit the coffee museum, book a guided tour to learn more about coffee or try their local specialties.

Other activities include horseback riding and mini golf. They also offer a chocolate-making workshop, so if you have limited time, you can easily combine chocolate & coffee during your visit and tick off two of the best things to do in Antigua.

You can find all the details here. Some experiences have a contact number, so it is better to inquire about availability and make a booking. We chose to book a coffee & Macadamia tour and you can find it here.

The entrance fee for foreigners is Q10 on the weekdays and Q20 on the weekends. If you end up booking any of their experiences, it requires an extra fee. In case you come by car, parking is Q20 on the weekdays and free on the weekends.

If you are a digital nomad planning a stay in Antigua, you will want to save these fantastic co-working cafes in Antigua, Guatemala.

4. Hike up to Cerro de La Cruz

Cerro De La Cruz offers some of the most breathtaking views and it is one of the best places to visit in Antigua, Guatemala. This hill, located just minutes from the old town, is easily accessible on foot, by taxi, or by tuk-tuk.

The hill is named after the large stone cross that stands at its summit. Erected in 1930, the cross stands against the dramatic backdrop of Volcán de Agua, creating a dreamy scene right in front of your eyes.

You don’t need to wake up early, but I recommend you pick out a clear day to visit Cerro de La Cruz as you don’t want the clouds blocking the view. During the rainy season, mornings usually start with clear skies that often turn to rain by the afternoon. 

I recommend taking transportation to the top and walking down after your visit. While Antigua is generally very safe, it’s best to avoid walking the stairs after dark.

5. Visit Parque Central de Antigua, the Cathedral of San José, and the ruins

The main square in Antigua, known as Parque Central, is the heart of the town. It is surrounded by some of the city’s most significant landmarks, including the Cathedral of San José, the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, and the Ayuntamiento.

The park features a beautiful garden, shaded benches, and a fountain. The fountain dates back to 1738 and features four mermaids that symbolize fertility and abundance. From the park, you get a fantastic view of the Cathedral of San José.

The cathedral was consecrated in November 1680 and only a few years later in 1717, the great Guatemala earthquake damaged it permanently (together with other important buildings in the area).

Nowadays, the cathedral welcomes you with a beautiful white facade adorned with numerous beautiful details. While the interior is more modest, the true highlight is the roofless ruins of the main part of the church.

You can visit the ruins from 9 am to 5 pm and the entrance fee is Q20. Access is from the east side of the Cathedral on Calle Oriente. The cathedral itself is free to visit.

6. Go shopping at the local markets

Visiting local markets is another must-try activity in Antigua. Even if you are not planning to go crazy with shopping, you should still visit one of the markets.

Mercado Central Antigua Guatemala is the most popular market in Antigua, especially if you are looking for a local atmosphere. It offers the full spectrum of Guatemala’s colors—whether it’s the bright fruits and vegetables, the local fabrics, or the fresh flowers.

Another important market is Mercado de Artesanias El Carmen. Compared to Mercado Central Antigua Guatemala, this one feels more touristic and features mostly souvenirs, however, it is definitely worth a visit.

Handicrafts Market Antigua, located next to Mercado Central Antigua Guatemala, is similar to Mercado de Artesanias El Carmen. So in case, you have limited time, you can combine Handicrafts Market Antigua with Mercado Central Antigua Guatemala.

If you want to visit the most beautiful market in the entire Guatemala, you will need to add Chichicastenango to your bucket list. The easiest way to get to Chichicastenango from Antigua is by tour.

7. See the convents and yellow churches of Antigua

Beyond the famous Cathedral of San José, Antigua is home to several stunning churches and convents that showcase the city’s unique blend of Spanish Baroque and Mudejar architecture.

The Iglesia de la Merced is one of the most beautiful churches in Antigua with its yellow facade with beautiful white details. You can see the interior of the church for free, but the best part is the rooftop. For Q20 you can get a fantastic view of the arch and the volcano.

Another must-visit is the Church of San Francisco, a striking example of colonial architecture. The church is closely linked to the history of Guatemala’s first saint, Hermano Pedro, whose tomb is located here.

Iglesia San Pedro Apóstol is one of the best-hidden gems in Antigua. It is located next to a nonprofit organization that looks like a mini version of Iglesia San Pedro Apóstol. Even though it is not a church, together they create a beautiful sight.

As you wander through Antigua, you’ll also come across several historic convents, such as the Convent of Santa Clara and the Convent of Las Capuchinas.

8. Discover the secrets of local food

Experiencing the local cuisine is a highlight of any visit to Antigua, Guatemala. The city offers a fantastic culinary scene where you can savor traditional Guatemalan dishes, dine at top-rated restaurants, participate in a cooking class, or join a food tour.

Don’t miss out on trying traditional dishes like pepian, a savory meat stew with vegetables and spices, or tamales, which come in various regional styles, wrapped in banana leaves and filled with meats, fruits, and spices.

If you are searching for authentic flavors, head to Comedor Las Canches, which offers affordable local dishes. Arrin Cuan Antigua is another must-visit restaurant that serves Guatemalan dishes. Nevertheless, Rincón Antigüeño is my personal favorite.

For those interested in a hands-on experience, joining a cooking class is one of the best things to do in Antigua. You’ll learn how to prepare traditional dishes from scratch, guided by local chefs who share their family recipes and cooking techniques.

9. Hike one of the many volcanos of Guatemala

Antigua, Guatemala, is surrounded by three prominent volcanoes, each offering unique experiences and stunning views: Volcán de Agua, Volcán de Fuego, and Volcán de Pacaya.

Hiking the volcano in Guatemala is a bucket list experience and one of the best things to do in Antigua, especially if you are an adventurous traveler. If you don’t like to hike, you can just appreciate the beauty of Volcán de Agua from Antigua.

If you decide to hike, the most popular option is Volcán de Pacaya, an active volcano just an hour’s drive from the city. The hike is moderate, suitable for most fitness levels, and typically takes about 2-3 hours to reach the summit.

These are top-rated hikes to Volcán de Pacaya:

—> Hike to Pacaya Volcano from Antigua (up to 20 people)
—> Day Tour to Pacaya Volcano from Antigua Guatemala on Private Vehicle (private)
—> Pacaya Volcano Luxury Sunset Horseback Riding Tour/ Dinner Cooked by-Lava Chef (private tour with horse and lunch included)

For those seeking a more challenging hike, Acatenango offers a more strenuous climb with equally impressive rewards. The hike usually involves an overnight stay, allowing you to catch the sunrise and witness eruptions from the neighboring Volcán de Fuego.

These are top-rated hikes to Acatenango:

—> Overnight Volcano Acatenango Hiking Adventure (up to 12 people, 2 days)
—> Antigua: 2-Day Acatenango Volcano Trek with Meals & Guide (up to 12 people, 2 days)

10. Make a day trip to Hobbitenango

If you are looking for an easy day trip from Antigua, you will love Hobbitenango. This whimsical park transports you to a hobbit-inspired world, reminiscent of “The Lord of the Rings.”

What makes Hobbitenango truly special is its breathtaking setting, nestled among Guatemala’s mountains and surrounded by three volcanoes. The park offers two restaurants, a bar, and 26 unique areas to explore, each with its own charm.

Hobbitenango also features several panoramic viewpoints that provide some of the best vistas of the surrounding volcanoes. On top of that, you can enjoy a range of activities like mini-golf and archery.

For an even more unique experience, you can stay overnight in one of the three hobbit-style houses. These cozy accommodations are in high demand, so it’s best to book as early as possible. You can check availability here.

If you are wondering how to reach this place, this detailed Hobbitenango guide will help you and prepare you for your visit.

In conclusion…

This is the end of the best things to do in Antigua and I am sure you are impatient to tick these off your Guatemala bucket list. Where do you want to start?

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

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